Lobby Muddy Fest is thrilled to celebrate its 5th anniversary this year. This beloved local event is New England’s only lobster roll and mudslide festival for charity. What began as a casual Sunday ritual at O’Brien’s Pub has transformed into a powerful community gathering and official 501c3 nonprofit since 2021, raising significant funds for mental health initiatives.
Lobby Muddy Fest was born from the simple tradition of friends meeting for lobster rolls and mudslides, and recounting the events of the night before. As the gathering grew in popularity, the founders saw an opportunity to make a meaningful impact. The core team includes Jimmy Miller, Billy Palmer, Ben Iacoi, Tyler Bernadyn, Bobby Victoria, and Jim Iacoi.
This year’s flagship event will take place at Smugglers Waterfront Bar in Newport, RI, on Saturday, August 17th, 2024, from 2–6 pm, followed by the Lobby Muddy After Party at The Lobster Bar at 10 pm. All proceeds for this year’s event will go to Newport Mental Health (NMH), a local 501c3 charity providing substance abuse and mental health care throughout Newport and the surrounding communities. Tickets can be purchased on the website, www.lobbymuddyfest.org, and you can follow their Instagram account for more details on the event (@LobbyMuddyFest).
“This is our fifth year hosting our event, and second at Smugglers and we couldn’t be more excited. Our alignment with Newport Mental Health is something we value and the work their organization does in the local community is truly amazing. Our goal each year is to support their mission while having a great time while doing so,” said James Miller, a co-founder of the event.
The first official Lobby Muddy Fest event was held in Newport in 2020. Since then, it has grown into a series of popular events, attracting over 500 guests at each gathering. Venues like Smugglers Waterfront Bar in Newport, RI, and Cisco Brewers Seaport in Boston, MA, have hosted these celebrations, which have collectively raised over $50,000. Initially benefiting The Jimmy Fund, the events now support Newport Mental Health.
What sets Lobby Muddy Fest apart from other charity fundraisers is the unique way the events are curated. As the name suggests, the gatherings revolve around Newport summer staples: lobster rolls, mudslides, live music, and an exciting live and silent auction. Lobby Muddy Fest would not be possible without the philanthropy and generous contributions of all those involved, including their key sponsors, Serv Pro Team Luzzi and Warwick Tree Service. Sincere gratitude is also shared for local favorite Never in Vegas who will be playing the event and the ever charismatic Joe Cesaro bringing the energy on the microphone as the official M/C of the event.
“It’s a party for a purpose,” says Tyler Bernadyn, an event organizer and a member of the Board of Directors for Newport Mental Health. “It’s a great way to have a good time and support an incredible organization that benefits an underserved community here in Newport County. The work that Newport Mental Health does locally is second to none, and I am so proud to be a part of an event that gives back to this incredible organization.”
Newport Mental Health’s mission is to improve the lives of those who live, work, and study in Newport County by providing the highest quality, recovery-oriented, evidence-based, and integrated mental health and substance use care. As a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC), Newport Mental Health is a 501(c)3 charitable nonprofit organization that treats people of all ages, from all walks of life, regardless of their ability to pay. Read more about Newport Mental Health on their website, https://www.newportmentalhealth.org/ .
For more information, please contact:
Tyler Bernadyn
Lobby Muddy Fest
Email: TylerB@resultswithremax.com
Phone: 401-241-1851
Join us in celebrating five years of community, fun, and philanthropy, all while supporting a cause that touches many lives.
